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Ours is a culture forever in search of heroes. We demand the constant creation of new images on which to project our highest ideals and expectations, looking to politicians, celebrities; millionaires or athletes to not only excel in the professional life, but to shine in their personal conduct as well. Small wonder that our hopes and dreams are so often shattered—to succeed professionally often requires such a tremendous focus on personal goals and glory that the qualities of true heroism (compassion, selflessness, vision) are snuffed out early on. Read more...

For 10 years I was the rabbi of a bustling congregation, and I often had the opportunity to counsel young people who were considering or planning a wedding.  When I asked them why the wanted a Jewish wedding, they would often tell me that they were doing it because of an aged grandparent or some other relative, or because their family went through the Holocaust.  As a way of honoring their relative or their history, a Jewish ceremony seemed the appropriate thing to do. Read more...

For more than a month, the dog abuse charges against NFL star quarterback Michael Vick and his codefendants have stirred public outrage, calling for an immediate reaction amongst the NFL, law enforcement, and animal rights’ activists.  The outcry has been long and loud; the disgust deep.  This is not just another sports star whose celebrity is being made off the field as much as on the field.  After hearing about how dogs who didn’t make the “cut” in preliminary fighting sessions were hung, drowned, slammed to the ground, and forced into positions where other animals could at Read more...

One of the most intriguing and troubling passages in Pirkei Avot, a comment of Rabbi Yaakov (some versions say “Rabbi Shimon), asserts that “one who is studying while strolling, and interrupts the learning to remark, ‘what a beautiful tree,’ or ‘what a lovely field,’ Scripture considers as having committed a capital offense.” Read more...

Every four years, with each new presidential election, Americans come face-to-face with the unpleasant reality that we don't trust each other.  Read more...